Introduction
Throughout life, individuals develop meaningful relationships with those around them. From birth, they have an attachment to parents or caretakers, which later evolves into the necessary tools for survival and worthwhile existence. Later, people find friends or lovers whose intimacy and care satisfy their emotional and mental needs. I also have a tight bond with my family, especially my mother, who commits to our relationship, demonstrates authentic love, and inspires me to achieve my dreams.
Elements of Meaningful Relationships
Commitment
The most vital component of my relationship with my mom is an altruistic commitment from both sides. It hints at the idea that we care for each other without looking for any potential benefits or advantages for ourselves. Moreover, commitment does not simply mean weekly calls or holiday visits; it points to support during crises and conflicts. Especially this component justifies our propensity to be close to one another regardless of the circumstances: struggles and pain or calm and happiness (Corey, Corey, & Muratori, 2018).
That is why I have never experienced any hesitations about spending some days at my parents’ house and gathering my husband, kids, and parents in one place. Since my tight bond with my mother has been a foundation for several generations’ interactions, it allows other family members to enjoy each other’s company. Thus, selfless commitment and eagerness to support each other facilitate mutual acceptance and understanding. This ability to commit to relationships with loved ones develops a person’s trust, duties, and responsibilities.
As a parent, it is essential to demonstrate an altruistic commitment to children to ensure that they grow up as caring and attentive individuals. It is helpful for me since I am always addressing my kids’ needs to cultivate secular values. However, it also teaches my children and me to distinguish between commitment and codependent relationships, which result in an inability to separate from my parents and succeed in life. For example, while discussing our future relationships with children, I always elaborate on the myth that love implies constantly being close to each other, advocating that commitment means support but not jealousy and codependence (Corey et al., 2018). This way, my commitment to my relationship with my mother exemplifies my relationship with children.
Love
Another meaningful part of my bonding with my mother is the authentic love we have developed. Authentic love “implies accepting another person’s weaknesses and bringing patience and understanding to help the person make significant life changes,” it contributes to my emotional well-being (Corey et al., 2018, p. 189). Since my mother accepts me as who I am now without putting any expectations or role models to force any changes, I am eager to share all my worries with her.
This authentic love helped me improve my intimate relationships. Instead of intuitively forcing my husband to acknowledge my wants, I point to them while he gently listens (Corey et al., 2018). My mother has never judged my imperfections, which makes me more self-confident in my current romantic relationships. Hence, authentic love from guardians builds their children’s confidence, teaching them to interact softly with others.
Conclusion
To conclude, it is impossible to avoid building meaningful relationships if a person wants to maintain their psychophysiological well-being, which is linked to personal relationships, enhancing confidence, positivity, and trust. My relationship with my mother is an example of a meaningful bonding based on mutual commitment, altruism, and authentic love. This experience sets the stage for my further successful interaction with my husband and children, focusing on improving its quality.
Reference
Corey, G., Corey, M., & Muratori, M. (2018). I never knew I had a choice: Explorations in self-growth. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.